Project Runway Season 8 finale

It's been a couple of weeks, but I wanted to post some of the amazing collection pieces from Project Runway's Season 8 finale. Ultimately, Gretchen Jones walked away the winner, but my favorite designer (and collection) was Mondo Guerra. (Andy South also turned out some beautiful clothes well). Here are some of the highlights from the Fashion Week runway...

Who was your favorite designer this season?

Andy South

Gretchen Jones

Mondo Guerra


*photos courtesy of Daylife

Mad Men

My husband and I finally finished watching Season 3 of Mad Men, the highly-acclaimed and award winning AMC show about advertising in the 1960's. I love the visual style of Mad Men (there is nothing like it on TV), from the costumes, to the sets, and of course all the throwbacks to 1960's mentality where business was conducted over cocktails, women washed dishes in dresses and pearls, and men still got away with sexual harassment in the workplace. (Not that I'm condoning any of those things mind you, but as someone from a completely different generation, it is a rare and interesting glimpse into another world). From the intricate office maneuvering at Sterling Cooper, to the drama of the Draper family, Mad Men has quickly become one of my favorite shows on television. Season 4 doesn't start until June, so until then might I suggest a re-run trip down Madison Avenue, New York to find out what you are missing?

Megan's Mad Men avatar

Mike's Mad Men avatarTo create your own Mad Men avatar, please visit their website: www.amctv.com. Happy viewing!

Masterpiece Classic 2010

Tighten your corset strings and put on your white gloves, Masterpiece Classic returns to PBS!Featuring all new presentations of Jane Austen's Emma, The 39 Steps, Sharpe's Challenge, Sharpe's Peril, The Diary of Anne Frank, Small Island and the much anticipated Return to Cranford (as well as encore presentations of Cranford, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey) this promises to be the best season of Masterpiece Classic yet!

2010 is also bringing with it award winning actors like Sean Bean, Judi Dench, Jonny Lee Miller, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, and host Laura Linney. The fun and frivolity begin December 20, 2009 with an encore presentation of Cranford, followed by Return to Cranford on January 10, 2010. For more information and schedules, please visit the Masterpiece website: www.pbs.org. Happy viewing!

The Vampire Diaries

I love this time of year. The cool weather, the beautiful fall colors, and of course all the spooky delights of the Halloween season. For those of you who love all things vampire, might I suggest my latest and greatest guilty pleasure: The Vampire Diaries. The newest TV series is basically a teen soap opera starring two gorgeous blood sucking brothers Stefan and Damon, who both want one thing: the beautiful Elena. There are lots of interesting plot twists, secrets, scandals, and of course plenty of neck biting. One can't help but compare this show to Twilight (which it even references occasionally), but there are some interesting differences. For example, the vampires wear rings which help them to walk around during the daylight, as well as have mind control over their victims. Throw in a gorgeous supporting cast, dark sets, and some serious teen angst, and you have The Vampire Diaries. The show airs Thursdays at 7:00 PM MST on the CW. Happy viewing!

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

The controversial novel, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy, originally couldn't find a publisher because of the content surrounding its main character. Hardy advocated against censorship, and the book was later released by an American publishing company. Now a classic in its own right, this tale of betrayal and forgiveness, is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published.Tess tells the story of a poor young woman who learns that she is descended from nobility. Because of her meager circumstances, she sets off to meet her rich relations, in the hope of improving her family's dire situation. At the d'Urberville family seat, she meets a jaded and callow young man named Alec who immediately sets about to seduce and use Tess. With no one to protect her, a series of tragic events follow which will change her life forever.

Determined to make a clean start, Tess sets out in search of a place where no one knows of her troubled past. In her new life as a milkmaid, she meets and exceptional young gentleman farmer named Angel Clare. The two quickly fall in love, and are married. However, on their wedding night, Angel learns of Tess's troubled past, and is unsure how to reconcile his feelings on the situation. Beautifully filmed, with exceptional performances from Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) and Eddie Remayne (The Other Boleyn Girl), Tess is haunting, bittersweet, and completely absorbing. If you happened to miss the original Masterpiece broadcast, the film will be available for a limited time on the website: www.pbs.org. I hope you enjoy this wonderful adaptation as much as I did (and don't forget a box of Kleenex). Happy viewing!

Masterpiece Classic 2009

Another season of Masterpiece Classic is upon us yet again, and this set of films promises to be just as interesting as its predecessor (last year's complete works of Jane Austen). 2009 also brings a new host: Oscar nominated Laura Linney.

The season kicks off with the haunting and powerful tale of Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. Also scheduled for the 2009 line-up are new adaptations of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility (featured from last season - and my personal favorite) as well as four classic Charles Dickens works: Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Little Dorrit and The Old Curiosity Shop.

Masterpiece Classic is known for creating quality films for television, such as last year's Cranford (which was later nominated for a Golden Globe). For a complete list of programs and air dates, please visit www.pbs.org. Happy viewing!

Spain...on the road Again

I've been tuning in every week to PBS's latest culinary endeavor - Spain...on the road Again. It stars world-renowned chef Mario Batali and Oscar winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow (one of my personal favorites). Together they trek through the different regions of Spain, taking in the sights, meeting new people, and of course divulging themselves in the most exquisite gastronomical delights the country has to offer.

As the pair experience anything and everything about Spain, they are also eating food that can only be found locally to that particular area (ie: on the coast they eat seafood). I personally don't imbibe alcohol (which is a frequent staple on the menu and the show), but I can appreciate a good meal when I see one - and they eat a lot of amazing foods! Don't expect a lot of action either. The characters meander at their own leisurely pace. Sometimes they stop to see a local site, or chat with a chef about a particular meal they are about to consume. The rest of the time, they are cruising around in a black Mercedes convertible, with the top down and sharing their thoughts on life, food and everything in-between.

I'm not sure what continues to suck me in to this program every week. Perhaps it's the rapture Mario expresses when sitting down to a well cooked meal, or Gwyneth's beautiful lilting Spanish - but I just can't get enough of this wonderful show! Hopefully some day I will be lucky enough to visit Spain myself. Until then, check your local listings for air times, or log on to www.spainontheroadagain.com. Happy viewing!

The Office Season 4

Dearest cupcakes-
Just a quick reminder to mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008. The Office Season 4 will be released on DVD, and you definitely don't want to miss it! Jim and Pam are finally together, Michael and Jan are crazy...in love, and Dwight puts Angela's cat in the freezer! Everyone's favorite television show will be yours to own, treasure, and love. Happy viewing!

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions

Having seen this 6 hour special twice now, I have a new appreciation and understanding of this beautiful planet we call home: Earth. From the earliest Mercury missions, to recent scientific developments that will enhance our understanding of life as we know it, the Discovery Channel (creators of the popular series Planet Earth) takes an in-depth look at our love-affair with space. On May 25, 1961 President John F. Kennedy issued the challenge to send a man to the moon (and by the end of the decade no less). Eight years later, after thousands of simulations, technological advances, and several test runs, his miraculous dream was realized.

I was absolutely riveted to the television as I watched commentary from former astronauts, mission leaders, those who worked in flight control, and even a few anxious wives who were left at home, as they shared their experiences with the space program. It was evident there was a lot of attention to detail (with an especially impressive score and hours of never-before-seen footage). Tears welled in my eyes as I saw the beautiful "Earth rise" (pictured above) from the first flight around the moon, to the explosions of Challenger and then Columbia. I cheered with each successive triumph. But most of all, I loved the happiness and peace I felt, as I watched our former rivals in the "space race", who are now our allies in creating the first international space station.

It gives me hope for the future of life on this planet. I hope you have the opportunity to watch the Discovery Channel's latest miniseries: When We Left Earth. Happy viewing!

When We Left Earth

Dearest cupcakes,
Make sure you tune in to the Discovery Channel tonight for their newest special, "When We Left Earth". If you liked the series "Planet Earth" then I am sure you will love their newest science epic into space. Happy viewing!